Letter from Nathaniel Briggs Borden, Washington City, [District of Columbia], to William Lloyd Garrison, 1839 Jan[uar]y 3d

In this letter to William Lloyd Garrison, Nathaniel B. Borden acknowledges that he received Garrison's letter and thanks him for providing "information in regard to the policy by which abolitionists are governed and by which they hereafter intend to be governed in their political action." He comments on leading abolitionists in Massachusetts supporting Martin Van Buren and the Democratic Party, arguing "that from the Van Buren party, as at present organized, there is nothing to hope and .. I fear such is the case with regard to the opposite party [the Whigs]." He predicts "the abolition question is one which .. the entire South with yet unite in opposing" and so each political party is seeking to distance themselves from the abolitionists. He also believes the South will unite under the Democratic party to oppose abolitionist efforts and re-elect Van Buren. Borden believes that the strength of Van Buren and his party in the South means that Henry Clay cannot be elected President and that even "his prospects of being a candidate are something less than they have been." He sees Clay as "well qualified" to be President and besides his views on slavery, Borden thinks highly of Clay. Borden also discusses the loss of his seat in the House of Representatives in the last election and remarks that abolitionists "gave their support generally to the administration candidate." In the postscript, he apologizes for his handwriting and says "It will therefore make but little difference whether it is read or not."
Courtesy of Boston Public Library